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Safe sunless tanning

During sun exposure dihydroxyacetone, the common tanning agent in self tanners, can increase free-radical damage to skin by more than 180 per cent. Choose a self tanner with antioxidants for extra protection.Photo: Handout photo: St. Tropez

Self tanners may be safer alternatives to sunbathing, but they don’t protect you from the sun. Instead, these products that are quickly becoming beauty staples can increase your risk of sun damage.

When you’re exposed to ultraviolet rays, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the common tanning agent in self tanners, can increase free radicals in skin by more than 180 per cent, according to a study published in the journal Spectrochim. Acta Mol.

When shopping for a self tanner this summer, look for those with added antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, that fight free radicals.

Alpha lipoic acid is another ingredient to scope out on the label. In an interview with Style.com, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist and creator of the No Sun Tanner, said it’s one of the most powerful anti-aging antioxidants for your skin.

If you try an antioxidant self tanner but aren’t thrilled with the results, strike a compromise with a protective product like Caribbean Smoothie Body Cream, which is getting a lot of love from sunless tanning devotees. It’s got vitamins A, C and E — as well as almond oil, which besides being loaded with vitamin E, is rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids, boosting this body cream’s antioxidant abilities.

For a more even glow, you can moisturize your skin with Caribbean Smoothie before applying your self tanner. And, in the days following your self-tanning session (not the day of!), glide it on to leave skin supple, smooth and less susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. It’s available at Tanextender.com and Amazon.

And of course, don’t forget to make standard sun safety part of your daily beauty routine: generously apply sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing and avoid the sun during peak hours between 10 and 4.